Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are used to cover chipped, stained or misaligned teeth. The thin layers of the veneer material adhere to natural tooth enamel to create a strong, long-lasting bond. Veneers work best for people who wish to correct minor imperfections in their smile.
The procedure for attaching veneers to the exterior of the teeth is non-invasive. The results are immediately visible. Once the veneers are adhered to your teeth, they will be able to perform all the teeth’s natural functions without any dietary restrictions or long recovery periods. Since veneers can last for many years, there is no need for constant replacement and maintenance, other than normal oral hygiene and dental care. Veneers can help you achieve the bright, healthy smile that you’ve always wanted!
Benefit of Veneers
- Veneers are beneficial when the original teeth are heavily stained, or the shape of the tooth is undesirable. Veneers can also correct a chipped or fractured tooth, fill gaps between teeth and/or fix minor bite-related issues.
- Veneers are a custom option to enhance your smile. They are individually sculpted for each patient. This makes it virtually impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and your natural tooth.
- Unlike your natural teeth, veneers are able to resist coffee, tea and cigarette stains because they are not porous like our enamel. For teeth that have imperfections or resist whitening, veneers can provide the whitest and brightest smile.
- Veneers can quickly fix minor twisting, overlaps or small gaps. Instead of bulky dental crowns, veneers can provide optimal esthetic results, without removing large amounts of your natural tooth structure.
About the Procedure
Porcelain laminate veneers consist of several thin ceramic layers, which replace original tooth enamel. To apply a veneer, a very thin layer of the natural tooth enamel has to be removed. This space creates room for the veneer, so it will not appear bulky. It will also restore the function to the tooth. A light-sensitive resin is applied between the layers and then hardened, using a special curing light. This creates a strong bond between the natural tooth and the veneer.
Minimal or “No-Prep” Veneers
Some patients are looking for an alternative to traditional dental veneers or bonding. “No-prep” veneers are not an option for every patient. Similar to traditional veneers, “no-prep” or minimal preparation veneers typically don’t require your dentist to remove as much tooth material and are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. The placement is often a faster procedure and patients report less discomfort than with traditional veneers. Ask your dentist if “no-prep” or minimal prep veneers are an option for you!
